Mama Might Be Better Off Dead: The Failure of Health Care in Urban America
	Author: Laurie Kaye Abraham Published: 1994-11-15
	List price: $15.00 Our price: $10.20	Usually ships in 24 hours As of: September 09th, 2010 06:55:46 AM
Customer comments on this selection. Mama Might be better off dead: the failure of health care in urban america Received book quickly, in good condition; had some notes in book, but that didn't hurt the integrity of the book. Good idea, lackluster execution This book addresses an important topic, but is not very well written. I love to read, but didn't even finish this book. Mama might be better off dead The failure of healthcare in urban america Abraham presents facts and statistics of poor African Americans through the story of four generations in a poor Chicago family as they go through life navigating the health care system. The story is presented from a very fact based point of view. It includes the trials of Mrs. Jackson, the grandmother; Tommy, the son; Jackie, the caretaker and Tommy's daughter; Robert Banes, Jackie's husband; and their three children. Abraham presents the trouble deciding which jobs to take and how it will affect the overall family income when many jobs don't provide insurance. Statistics are presented on lack of family education about programs available for programs that would have not added income or taken away assistance they were already receiving. This book took into account the physician's assigned to the case when the patient is admitted without a primary physician, multiple residents and having to explain issues multiple times. Residents and physicians do not always look at the overall picture but the latest issue. Even the lack of physicians discussing do not resuscitate orders with the family when Mrs. Jackson is close to death was brought to light. I would like to ask the author what happened after the grandmother died and Robert received his transplant. How did the loss of SSI change their status and the outcome of their healthcare and financial status? Overall I give this book a 4 (very good). I agree with the authors position and policies set forth to help the poor are not working and need some serious revamping. I only rate it a four because of the tediousness of the information make it a hard to get through. This is a great read for those who want to do public policy dealing with healthcare reform and anyone interested in the plight of the poor having to negotiate the current system. Puleese!!!!!! This left wing, socalist bent author wants to shame the government for not providing cradle to grave management of people's lives; maybe if the author focused on this nation's irresponsible people, who go through life thinking you can abuse your body then get Washington to pay your medical and nursing home bills..... sick book, sick thinking, If your poor and sick, you may as weel be deead I was required to read this book for a Social Problems Analysis class. Before, I had never thought about the major problems with our health system. Unlike a reviwer before me, I don't see her as being biased. If you have ever lived in a poor urban neighborhood, then you would know, Abraham is correct. People who live in poverty, often have no access to better health care, so they take what they can get. It is easy to say these people should take responsible for their health care if you have never been in this situation. Abraham did a wonderful job staying objective, even at times, when I don't know if I could have. I would reccomend this book to anyone who has questions about how the medical system works in poor areas.
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